Page 1 of 1 Created by the newly appointed chief engineer Ferdinand Porsche, Daimler introduced two new six-cylinder engined, road-going Mercedes models at the Berlin Motor Show in December of 1924. Both equipped with engageable superchargers, the engines in the two models respectively displaced 4.0 or 6.3 litres. The range-topping model was referred to as the 24/100/140hp and was so highly regarded that it survived the merger with Benz and remained in production until 1929, when it was referred to as the Mercedes-Benz 630 K.

As was the norm in the period, the type name referred to the engine, which had a fiscal rating of 24hp, produced 100hp in standard trim or 140hp with the supercharger engaged. The new straight six featured a single overhead camshaft and thanks to a massive 150 mm stroke, displaced just under 6.3 litres. It was mated to a four-speed gearbox, which transferred the power to the rear wheels through a drive-shaft. The chassis was wholely conventional with rigid axles and leaf springs on both ends. Cable operated drum brakes were also fitted, while a vacuum booster became available during the final years of production.

Although officially introduced in December of 1924, the model had already entered production a few months earlier. It was available as a rolling chassis ready for a custom coach-builder to body, or customers could choose a standard body from the Mercedes catalog. By 1926, the range was expanded with a short wheelbase version, which was referred to as the Model K, for 'Kurz' or short. These were usually also fitted with higher performance engines and some were even used in races with considerable success. It could be distinguished by the external exhaust pipes, which would become a design of many supercharged models that followed. From 1928, the output was increased to 110 and 160 hp respectively.

The 630 K Mercedes-Benz was eventually replaced by the larger engined 680 S versions, which included the legendary SSK model. Even though it was regarded highly, the 24/100/140hp was very expensive, especially in the quickly deteriorating economy of the second half of the 1920s, and was not a sales success. It would take until 1931 before Mercedes-Benz had managed to sell the last examples built. Today, a 24/100/140hp or 630 K is a very rare sight as of the small number built, even fewer have survived. Page 1 of 1